Texas coach Steve Sarkisian's awkward ESPN interview divides internet during team's win over Ohio State
Texas Longhorns snatch a comeback win over Ohio State amid post‑game interview controversy
In a Thursday night matchup that turned from a rout to a thriller, the Texas Longhorns rallied from a 20‑point deficit to defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes 24‑23. The win, however, was only part of a night that left Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian frustrated with the way the game’s post‑game coverage unfolded.
The game began in a familiar fashion for the Longhorns, who were struggling early in the third quarter. Down 20‑3, Texas appeared on the brink of a shutout, but the team began to claw back as the fourth quarter progressed. Texas quarterback Arch Manning threw for 195 yards and a touchdown, while running back Hollywood Smothers rushed for 74 yards and scored twice to help erase the lead. Ohio State’s offense, led by quarterback Julian Sayin, produced 278 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was the Buckeyes’ most productive player, catching eight passes for 164 yards and a touchdown.
With the game tied 23‑23 after Texas’ late touchdown, the Longhorns held the ball for the final possession and ran down the clock to secure the 24‑23 victory. The win is the first time the Big 12 team has beaten the Buckeyes on the road in a season opener.
Sarkisian, however, was not content with how the victory was covered. During the live ESPN broadcast, sideline reporter Laura Rutledge tried to interview the coach as he ran through the tunnel after the third quarter. Texas was down 20‑3 at the time. Rutledge later explained that Sarkisian had “waited a long time, been very patient with some technical issues that we had.” She added that “Sarkisian did decline the interview at the half,” and that the network apologized to him after he had expressed frustration. “We should be apologizing to him, which we did,” Rutledge said.
When the game ended, ESPN’s Holly Rowe approached the coach for a post‑game interview. The exchange was brief and somewhat awkward. Sarkisian managed only a single line before hurrying back to the locker room: “Texas fight, hook ‘em.” The short comment sparked discussion online, with some fans criticizing the coach for his lack of enthusiasm, while others noted the high-pressure situation the Longhorns faced.
The technical difficulties that delayed the interview were reportedly due to problems with the studio’s equipment. After the delay, Sarkisian was eventually able to speak with the network, but the delay had already dampened the excitement surrounding the victory.
Texas’ triumph is a bright spot in a season that has otherwise been rough for the program. The Longhorns have struggled to find consistency under Sarkisian’s leadership, and the win over a top‑ranked Ohio State team could serve as a catalyst for the rest of the year.
Sarkisian’s comments and the post‑game interview mishaps have prompted a broader conversation about how college football games are covered on television. While fans celebrate the underdog victory, the incident highlights the tension between athletes, coaches, and media coverage—especially when technical glitches and timing issues arise.
For now, the Longhorns can take pride in the dramatic comeback, the contributions of Manning, Smothers, and the rest of the team, and the fact that they pulled off a win in a high‑stakes environment. Whether the coach’s frustration will lead to changes in how the program interacts with the media remains to be seen, but the victory itself will likely be remembered as a moment of resilience and determination.
